Cultural Affairs and Special Events

Cultural Affairs And Special Events To Hold Town Hall Meetings In July

June 11, 2012

Cultural Affairs And Special Events To Hold Town Hall Meetings In July

Mary May 312.744.0576 mmay@cityofchicago.org

Cindy Gatziolis 312.744.0573 cgatziolis@cityofchicago.org

(CHICAGO) The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) will hold four town hall meetings in July to seek public input from residents, cultural organizations and community leaders on a draft 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan. DCASE will release the draft plan for public comment in early July and host the town halls to continue the conversation with stakeholders from across the city.

Additionally, the summary of public engagement is available for viewing at www.chicagoculturalplan.org. The final Chicago Cultural Plan will be introduced to the public in October.

“Chicago’s depth of diverse cultural offerings and arts experiences brings vitality to city life that benefits visitors and all citizens young and old,” said DCASE Commissioner Michelle T. Boone. “This new cultural plan must inspire collective action from all corners of the city. I remain excited by the engagement process thus far and by working together, we will be able to translate our collective vision for the cultural future of our great city.”

To date, more than 30 meetings have been held since February where attendees discussed a vast number of ideas. Many common themes and issues emerged, such as, the desire for more arts education, the need to support and emphasize access to quality arts experiences in neighborhoods, spaces for arts and culture to thrive, and support for artists and creative fields.

Lord Cultural Resources was selected earlier this year as a consultant on the cultural plan initiative. It is one of the world’s largest cultural professional practices and has developed cultural plans for major cities across the globe. Lord partnered with Chicago-based Research Explorers, Weetu, Dickerson Global Advisors and arts consultant and researcher Nick Rabkin.

Funding for the initiative is provided by the generous support of The Allstate Insurance Company, The Chicago Community Trust and the Illinois Arts Council.

About The Allstate Corporation

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer known for its “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary as an insurer, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

About The Chicago Community Trust

For 96 years, The Chicago Community Trust, our region’s community foundation, has connected the generosity of donors with community needs by making grants to organizations working to improve metropolitan Chicago. In 2011, the Trust, together with its donors, granted more than $100 million to nonprofit organizations: developing new audiences to sustain Chicago’s vibrant arts organizations, protecting the human success safety net for those hardest hit by the recession, stemming the devastating effects of foreclosures on our communities, elevating teaching to meet world class standards; and improving conditions for healthy and active lifestyles. To learn more, please visit the Trust online at www.cct.org.

About the Illinois Arts Council: “Building a strong, creative, and connected Illinois through the engagement of all Illinoisans in the pursuit of, participation in, and enjoyment of the arts.” In 1965, the Illinois General Assembly created the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) for the purpose of encouraging the development of the arts throughout Illinois. This state agency assists artists, arts organizations, educational institutions and other community organizations that present arts programming by providing financial and technical assistance. The Governor and General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts provide funds annually to the Illinois Arts Council. For additional information, visit the IAC website – www.arts.illinois.gov.

About the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to promoting and supporting Chicago’s arts and culture sector. This includes, but is not limited to: fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists, and for-profit arts businesses; presenting high-quality, free or low-fee cultural programs accessible to residents and visitors; and marketing the City’s cultural assets to local, regional, and global audiences. DCASE produces nearly 2,000 public programs, events and support services annually, generating millions in economic benefits for the City of Chicago. For more information visit www.cityofchicago.org/DCASE or join us on Facebook or on Twitter @ChicagoDCASE.